Welcome
Welcome to the MSE/ESM Engineering Communication Program web site. Here you'll find not only a description of the program, but also online resources for our courses and research publications by the program faculty on engineering education. For additional resources on teaching communication in engineering, please visit the Virginia Tech Engineering Communication Center (VTECC) website.
If you have questions about anything you find here, please contact the Program Director, Dr. Marie Paretti, or the Assistant Director, Ms. Christine Burgoyne.
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Program Office Hours |
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Mondays and Fridays Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 14 Holden Hall |
Program Overview
The Engineering Communications Program began the early 1990s, providing substantial instruction in written, oral, and visual communications to students in MSE and ESM. It has expanded in recent years to address all of the ABET professional outcomes expected of undergraduates:
(d) the ability to function on multidisciplinary teams
(f) an understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities
(g) an ability to communication effectively
(h) the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context
(i) a recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in life-long learning
(j) a knowledge of contemporary issues
The curriculum includes both traditional engineering courses and dedicated professional development courses across the sophomore, junior, and senior years. The director, together with the program staff, teach courses, conduct workshops, tutor students, evaluate assignments, and conduct regular programmatic assessment. The program covers topics such as business and professional communication, laboratory and research report writing, poster sessions, public speaking, engineering ethics, interpersonal and professional development skills, interdisciplinary and intercultural teamwork, and critical and creative thinking skills.